Las Vegas Bowl 2012: Joe Southwick is at the controls in what could be the Broncos' last game as a member of the Mountain West Conference. (AP Photo)

Where: Las Vegas

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Which Washington is it, the one that coughed up an 18-point lead to two-win Wazzu in the Apple Cup or the one with wins over No. 8 Stanford and No. 15 Oregon State? The UW defense, led by linebackers John Timu and Travis Feeney, probably will provide the answer against a Boise State team that finished three slots out of a BCS bowl berth. For the Broncos, it’s “Vegas, baby!” for a third consecutive year. This cast is different, though, led by QB Joe Southwick (2,466 passing yards) and defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence (9 1/2 sacks). Preview factor: The teams, with a combined 71 underclassmen on their two-deep rosters, open the 2013 season in Seattle.

NFL prospect to watch: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington. His older brother Marcus has had a pretty good career in Seattle. There is a lot to like about Desmond as a cover man and ballhawk, but he needs work to become a solid all-around corner.

SN’s pick: Boise State. The Broncos, presumably in their Mountain West swan song, have the offense and defense to prove their days of being America’s underdog are long gone.

Instant replay: On Christmas Eve 2003, Las Vegas native Steven Jackson led Oregon State to a 55-14 victory over New Mexico. He rushed for 149 yards on 28 carries and accounted for five touchdowns and 30 points, both of which tied NCAA bowl records.